Obstructure

I reckon they should buy a 32 seat gyroswing and put it in near the Wipeout. They can theme the whole area, throw in some new landscaping, maybe a sideshow game or two, and give it kind of a jungle/beachy theme and call it the Claw, and theme it like a large, escaped animal. You can put the queue line at the side and incorporate it into the theme, even throw in a few TV screens that show live footage of the ride in motion. You can even have a good old Kingswood squashed under one of the claws of the escaped animal. What do you all think?

During holiday periods like you visited? A grand total of 0 minutes and 0 seconds. If you had a look around, the staffing levels increase during that time, and while the ride is actually going (it may be hard inside to notice, but you can hear it going, both TOT and Cyclone), another operator will come out and collect you. I don't know if we have many operators on the board from Dreamworld, but I wonder what they would have to say in relation to how much time is wasted with loose articles. I remember reading another post by someone who I think works there (in the efficiency thread) saying that it is a problem.

I will ride 4 rides in any hour you set, I'll even do it on Boxing Day, or any other public holiday. After spending the day at Dreamworld today with friends, it became even clearer to me that the problems with long queues doesn't lie with staffing issues. I think people are under the misconception that more staff = more productivity, hence more people going through the ride. This fact couldn't be anymore untrue. Alex, it is OK, you have fallen into the trap so many people do, but I will clarify things a little further. Overall, the biggest time waster in my opinion on ALL rides, is the public storing their loose items. Perhaps the staff or the amount of staff isn't really the big issue. Maybe the real delay lies within the lead up and the exit of the ride? Next time you go to the park, time how long it takes for the first person to enter, and then have everyone take off their loose items. Then time the amount of time the safety checks take, and the ride time. Then time the amount of time it takes for everyone to collect their things and leave, right up until the very last person. Richard, maybe this is something you could do and review? I know you did a thing on efficiency and perhaps this is another thing you could research? I'm sure people would be very interested to know how much time is actually spent. What do you think? In fact, I am very interested myself and may take a closer look at those aspects in the weeks to come. Personally, I believe the flaw lies simply with the design of the storage areas, and the time they take place. Just my opinion though, and feel free to criticise. Eliminate that aspect and people are simply getting on the ride, getting checked, riding, then exiting. Alex, you are correct in saying that maybe the capacity of the rides can contribute to the problem, but it seems to me that the more attractions Dreamworld gets, the more popular the place is. Adding more shows would DEFINITELY help, and I can see that they are heading the way of trying to offer 'other' types of attractions. Those being of course Big Brother, the new Farmyard Friends, the Nickelodeon shows and also shows in the Wildlife Area. However, BIGGER shows, which are advertised as an attraction, like those at Sea World and Movie World would be big crowd gainers. The old show they used to have on Captain Sturt was great, something of that proportion, but modernised, would be sensational. I am pleased that you gave us all a realistic solution to the long queues, rather than just saying, "more staff" or "get more rides that are bigger" like 99% of the people do.

Would I be wrong in saying that they are also the ONLY park on the Gold Coast which does not offer pass outs? I went there a year or so ago, maybe longer, can't remember, and boy was I annoyed. It will cost you about $10 to eat anything, and you can't leave the park and go down the road to eat somewhere cheaper, or go outside and eat your own food from the car. Plus you can't take any of your own stuff in, like the other parks.

When are you free? I'll ride 4 rides in the first hour, you pick the day. Peak or off peak. Dreamworld is open from 9.30-5pm on these holidays. Now by the sounds of things (what alex said), he went to Tower of Terror and Giant Drop in the last hour, so from 9.30-4pm, what did you do? 6 1/2 hours for what, 2 rides? No, I wasn't there walking around with you, but it doesn't add up to me. Even at Christmas time you wouldn't only get 4 rides in the whole day, especially seeing you said you didn't go on the claw, giant drop and tower of terror. The only rides left that you may have had to line up for a considerable amount of time is Wipeout, Cyclone and Rapids, perhaps Reptar and Log Ride could be included but there is no way it would have been an hour. The rest of them rarely get lines longer than 15 minutes.

Joz: Village: The year ending June 2003 their profits before tax dropped 16.7% from the previous year to $11.5million, with Sea World and Wet n Wild's attendances down. Movie World's was up slightly by 5%. Source: http://www.villageroadshow.com.au/pdf/2003...lageARpart1.pdf The year ending June 2004, the profit before tax was also $11.5million, with attendance levels across all 3 parks rising 10% to 3.4 million. Earnings before rent, interest, tax and depreciation (EBRITDA) was $20.8million Source: http://www.villageroadshow.com.au/press_re...al%20260804.pdf Village Roadshow has been struggling to make profits, hence the sharp reduction in the share price over recent years, and no dividends for shareholders due to lack of profits. Earnings before rent, interest, tax and depreciation (EBRITDA) was $24million Dreamworld/Macquarie Leisure: For the year ending June 2003, Dreamworld's attendance was up 3.2%, with a total of 1 093 300. Earnings before rent, interest, tax and depreciation (EBRITDA) was $17.2million This one is on the Macquarie Leisure website. For the year ending June 2004, Dreamworld's attendance was up a further 12.9% to 1 234 611. Resulting in their highest revenue amount ever. I couldn't find their EBRITDA to compare, but I presume it is up considering the increase in attendance levels. http://www.macquarie.com.au/au/property/ac...tation_2004.pdf Furthermore, MLE has experienced a huge amount of strength in their share price, as well as offering increased dividends to shareholders, reflecting their strong profit levels. ---------------------------- After reading the annual report of Village Roadshow, it actually doesn't sound very promising. They even admit that the low growth and lack of profit is because they are failing to introduce new attractions. Village seems to me that it holds a firmer grip on the international market, however Dreamworld is attracting more locals. I would like to see Village match it with Dreamworld, and produce new attractions regularly. If in fact their staff are 'more enthusiastic' and you don't have to wait around for big lines, then perhaps more rides at these parks would be better options. I think it is impressive that Dreamworld have competed with this larger entity, seeing Village has the 3 park superpass and also 3 completely different experiences on offer, yet Dreamworld still performs so well. Richard: wasn't attacking people because of their opinions, mainly asking the question, "what would you like them to do?" There is a lot of complaining, but not many ideas to improve the situation. That is where I agree with you; if someone has a better idea, write it down and send it to the respective parks. I know I will be writing one to Village, again. I was a shareholder in the company for a long time because I thought that if well managed, they could monopolise the Theme Park industry in Australia, yet they've made no inroads on that whatsoever. So yes, I have an interest in both companies and as many people on here, I expect nothing but THE best from all of the parks.

Wild Thornberrys does have mechanical components, and I wouldn't compare it to the Matrix Exhibit at Movie World....... As for the queue jumpers, why didn't you actually say something to one of the operators? You didn't even try, yet you bag them out that they didn't know anything about it. If you approach them when entering the ride and tell them people jumped the queue, and others around you are aware, then they will kick them off, without even questioning those which are being accused. Dreamworld may be the most profitable one, and it may seem like it is understaffed, but it is VERY obvious where all of their profits are going - right back into the park! They are constantly upgrading the park by adding or renewing attractions. Just this year there has been Big Brother 4 (not entirely DW), Farmyard Friends, Blue's Skidoo and The Claw, as well as Tomb Raider which opened December 2003. ALL of those attractions cost a lot of money, add on the top of that advertising and you can see where the profits are going. Already that is more attractions than all 3 Warner Parks have added this year, and then some. Add to that the ongoing costs of maintaining the rides, getting new parts and so on, and you've got yourself quite a costly scenario. For example, the log ride had a lot of work done a few months back. Another example, if The Claw cost $6million to purchase, then it doesn't take a genius to work out how many people need to enter the park and pay full admission, so they can save enough money to buy it. Joz, I wasn't changing the subject, I was purely comparing the points made about DW to those made about Warner. Village is very much relevant to this topic because part of running a successful theme park is generating profits and upgrading/creating attractions, something which Warner rarely does in comparison to DW. Furthermore, when they do make the upgrades, they are only a freckle on what DW has done and will continue to do. If Dreamworld don't look after their guests and offer endless long line ups, resulting in a lack of satisfaction then why are they continuing to grow and perform at such a high level? Why is their company looking more and more attractive as the years march on? Lining up for an hour for the draw card rides may not exactly be your cup of tea, but what are DW going to do about it? As I said, more staff isn't necessarily the answer because in peak times, it won't make a huge difference. Parts of the ride cycles take time, things such as guests removing loose items, checking their belts/harness, actually experiencing the ride, then exiting. How is more staff going to speed that process? Yet still give you that enthusiastic interaction which people seem to be craving for? It comes to a point when there is going to be a long wait, no matter what. The point about putting a cap on their attendance was very tongue in cheek, but what possible solution is there to reduce queue line times? How can you get it so that even when DW has 5000-10000 people in the park, that you only have to wait 15-20 minutes (maximum) to get onto any ride? It isn't possible, sorry, but it isn't. Long queues on popular attractions are here to stay. The advantage Movie World and Sea World have in regards to queue times, is that: 1. People aren't at those parks for the rides 2. The ongoing shows attract large amounts of guests at a time, reducing the amount of people wanting to go on rides 3. The rides they do have don't have the popularity in comparison to those at Dreamworld Kenny, no need to thank me I totally agree with you. Dreamworld offers the best rides in Australia, without a doubt, therefore large line ups. What part of popular don't people understand? And Mandajk are you trying to tell me that you went on 6 rides all day? 4 if you take away the train and the bb house? I wouldn't blame the lack of rides on long queues, I would blame it on walking around and wasting time too much. I could go in tomorrow and within the first hour go on at least 4 rides, and I dare say it would be the popular ones. Maybe you didn't seem to get your moneys worth because the person you went with doesn't like going on rides. If you don't enjoy going on rides, and don't go on rides, then DW is not the place to go.

Alex, sorry to hear about your criticisms, but there are some problems in your abuse towards Dreamworld. First of all: Queue jumping. What would you like the staff to do? You are complaining that it takes so long to actually get to the ride, would you like them to spend more time monitoring the queue line at the same time? If people have jumped the queue, perhaps you should take some responsibility and actually TELL someone. In my experiences, the ride attendants don't tolerate queue jumping and will deal with it appropriately. They are only human and can only use the resources offered to them. I don't feel sorry for you with people jumping the queue, maybe if you used your voice and told the right people then something could have been done. That leads to my next point: How can you judge their employees, and whether or not they are up to "theme park standards." The staff members there work as hard as they can, it isn't their fault if the park is (as people on this board claim) understaffed. I think you are pointing the finger at the wrong people in that case. And when does kennykoala speak on behalf of Dreamworld by saying "deal with it?" It is their own individual opinion and as far as I know, they are not an employee, but they hold a season pass there. In fact, I would listen to their perspective in relation to the park more than someone who has been there once, in peak time, seeing they have seen the park on many more occasions, and have an opportunity. You have missed at least two rides which are at Dreamworld, Captain Sturt and Wild Thornberrys - both of which are "rides." That would make it 22 all. You go to Dreamworld during peak times and you should expect long lines for the popular rides. In fact, I believe that Dreamworld goes as far as offering a very accurate estimation of queue times for that particular day. They are shown very clearly outside the entrance to the park, warning people that there could be long periods of time spent in lines. At that stage, you could have turned away and gone to one of your beloved Warner Parks, where you see the same recycled shows from 15 years ago, and ride children's rides and monorails. Joz I knew you would jump on board here, any chance to take cheap shots at a non-Warner park, when in reality they're in no great position themselves. The Police Academy Stunt Show is a good show, but after about the 50th time seeing it, it does get a bit stale and doesn't rate as an attraction. You would think it would change a thing or two after so many years, but maybe that is too much to ask, seeing they're busy letting other elements in their park deteriorate such as the Lethal Weapon, the Looney Tunes ride, Wild West Falls, the 'other' show, the batman 'ride' (lol), and the recycling of the studio tour/sound stage, even though it had a fire. The park generates little to no upgrades, changes or new attractions. Furthermore, the disgraceful conditions guests have to endure to watch the Police Academy show during the summer suggests to me, stuff the guest, we have their money. It is hot, uncomfortable, and you find yourself being turned away during the peak times, from seeing the show. At least Sea World looks to upgrade its features, and I wouldn't even bother comparing Sea World and Dreamworld because they offer completely different things. Dreamworld - a thrill park, Sea World - a marine education park. Over the last 10 years, take a look at which of the 4 Theme Parks on the Gold Coast (Dreamworld, Movie World, Sea World, Wet n Wild) has grown the most. The answer is Dreamworld, by a long shot. It has continued to change, upgrade, and offer new exciting attractions. It is a known fact to any investor that Village is an unattractive company to invest in. They don't offer much, whereas Macquarie Leisure (DW) has continued to rise and strengthen their grip on the market, reporting good profits and rewarding investors. Now in my opinion, that suggests who is doing the right thing and who is doing the wrong. Why would Dreamworld want to change their ways if what they are doing is providing strong profits? I see time and time again people go on and on about what ride they would like to see at Dreamworld, and the truth is, experiencing anything which is comparable to those on a world scale, is only possible at Dreamworld. They are the park more likely to offer something along those lines. Great points.................. lol. Why wouldn't you be having fun? Because you are lining up? I'm sure Dreamworld is sooooooooooooooo sorry their attractions which they spend millions of dollars on are popular. The second point about "just another ride" is untrue - way off the mark. Giant Drop just another drop ride? Please point me in the direction of somewhere nearby that I can ride a drop ride, I'm dying to know! Just another top spin? Again, point me in the direction of another top spin nearby with the callibre of the Wipeout. Likewise with the Claw. What a rediculous point to make. You are kidding yourself if you think rides like the Vortex or a Chairlift are the ones that bring in the crowds. The only part which anyone really has hit the nail on is that there could be more staff on, mainly during peak periods. That would definitely improve the situation, but again, during Christmas time with thousands of people, you can staff as many as you want, but that won't make the queue time less than an hour or two. Throw in ride breakdowns (which are of no fault of those operating or running the park), and there will be long waits. The only other thing which could be suggested is putting a cap on the park entrance for the day, in an attempt to reduce queue times. I think it is a rediculous idea, and definitely one which would either reduce profits, or raise ticket prices, however it would keep quiet about 10 people on this board... lol Until of course they complain because Dreamworld has gone broke, or the ticket price is too high. Can't win either way.

All good, but unrealistic ideas. Although a coaster over the island would be a good idea, it is unlikely it would happen. As for altering the ride experience of the TOT to that degree, good luck with that one. There are other things in the making for Dreamworld at the moment, and you are on the right track with making changes to the experiences of the rides, however I think you have read too much into the information and set the bar a little too high. Changing those aspects on the car would be quite an expensive process, and also lengthy. I hope everyone enjoys The Claw, and appreciate the new ride. Don't go looking too far ahead for new rides seeing there is a good one just being released.

The bottom of the two western poles on the Claw now have large claws attached to them, and one of them has a car stuck under it. To an observer, the Claw looks very much like it is a wild animal which has perhaps escaped and is causing havok in the area. The themeing looks superb, it is evident there is a lot of effort and design put into this ride, and while people have been quick to criticise, the ride and themeing wasn't finished. It is like a house, it looks ordinary in the process, its the finished product you can judge, and perhaps understand more. As for operating, there is a maximum of 3 operators, with a minimum of 1, so in off peak times, expect there to be the one person operating. On the plus side, the operating booth is near the queue and the ride so there won't be needless time wasting in between cycles with the operator having to walk long distances.

Seriously, who gives a ____ about whether the name of it has been used before or not? It really doesn't make a difference at all. As for DW buying the smallest model - I don't know where you got your information wrong but you are misinformed. It is the medium version, 32 seater. Buying the largest model would be stupid. I'd hate to listen to the criticism of this board if they really did buy the smallest model. It is definitely going to be themed Ocean Parade, I don't know specifics but that is all I heard. And the name The Claw has nothing to do with tigers, or crabs, or birds (as far as I know). I was told they called it that because it is an attraction which has just torn into Dreamworld and plonked itself right down in the middle of everything and taken over, with dominance, tearing up everything in its place to get its spot. There is a buzz around with the staff, some of them are displaying some kind of advertisement around their necks about the new ride and are very happy to share the news with the public. I think it is a great attraction and will do wonders for Dreamworld. The rest of you who are critical and going on about "ooo it isnt going to thrill people like it makes up" then shut up and don't ride it. You are all spoilt and don't think about anything. In fact, I would hate to think what would happen to Dreamworld if any of your wishes were fullfilled. These unjustifiable requests for enormous rides, outrageous themeing and unrealistic ride cycle times show ignorance. Dreamworld is in Australia, and they are showing common sense with the planning and development for the future. I'd also dare say that perhaps there is more funds put into their advertisement campaign for this ride, to develop those adjectives and make it sound superb so people want to ride it. If you have ridden it overseas, great, don't ride Dreamworld's 'smaller, tamer model which isn't a real thrill ride at all.' I would hate to have to stand in line behind people who don't appreciate what is there in front of them, while they're complaining because the ride is only functioning at 68.343674364873643% capacity that has been advertised in official press releases.

Ask somebody at Dreamworld why it is called "The Claw." Then pass judgement on the name. It has been called that for a certain reason. Also, it is going to be themed Ocean Parade. Look for further themeing by Christmas time at the major attractions (TOT, GD etc). They will all have improvements made to their themeing in the future. Watch that space.

hahaha, absolute rubbish.

I know some ride specifics and what is planned but I don't think I am allowed to say anything because it might be sensitive information. Besides, it may be wrong so I won't waste everyones time. There is a big circle they've dug up at the moment so you can use your imagination as to where it is going to be. As for the name, getting closer, but still not correct. C__________ER

Might go in sometime this week and ask someone if there is any official recording or anything. I was considering if any of them were realistic, giving it a go because the next few months the parks usually die off.

lol, good find Richard

This is an odd question, but does anyone know what the ride records (in one day) for some of the rides are? What would be the best way of finding them out do you think?

Nup, none of them. I am sure kennykoala will find out and tell you all, it is common knowledge around the park now so it isn't such a big secret anymore. Went in there today, it was PACKED so we didn't stay long, don't know what was going on but it was as busy, if not busier then holiday times. There is now a big hole where the C________R is going. It doesn't look like it is going to be very big though, I thought it was much bigger then that. Can't wait until it is opened!

Maybe, or maybe you'll look silly when the name is released and it starts with C and has 3 syllables, just like I said. If I give you any other clues then it will give it away, it is that kind of name. Unless I start giving you letter clues?????? Would that make it easier? There are some pretty good names coming up here though, I must admit.

Nah, it isn't that, good try though and definately fits the clues. It also would make some kind of sense. Next clue is needed I think....... hmmmmmm..... It kind of relates to what the ride does

ehhhhhh what? Uh, well no, they weren't turned away, I never said they were, but what isn't quite sinking in here is that the scenarios are different. During normal time if you are there by 5, or whatever the closing time is, you make it on because there are no restrictions, however at Fright Night, everything had to be off and closed by 10 because of restrictions. That is why people got turned away, not because of poor customer service or rudeness, or poor organisation either, but because of the law. And I suppose you were there, with a checklist grading each employee? You are pointing the finger at the wrong people in this case. The ride attendents were doing what they could, with what they had, and they only followed instructions.

All rides and attractions had to be closed by 10pm, thats just how it is for Dreamworld and yes I am pretty sure it is because of the surrounding area due to noise problems. It sucks and I am sure Dreamworld would've loved to have Fright Night go until perhaps 12 instead of 10, but hey rules are rules. Word of mouth is perhaps a big problem, but in this case, I don't think word of mouth will hurt Dreamworld - perhaps if they ran a similar event, which was advertised the same it would hurt their business. I dare say the vast majority of the crowd were locals who regularly visit Dreamworld, or have been there a number of times to say the least. I believe that they would understand when its busy, well its busy and if you want to go on lots of rides, then you have to come in the off peak times. People complain about que lines at every single theme park, it isn't something that will hurt them. I don't remember a time, ever, that Dreamworld has employed someone who stands at the line specifically watching que jumpers. Someone correct me if I am wrong on this one, but I am pretty sure no one has ever got that job. The closest I have seen is in holiday periods when somebody puts people into groups when they get near the ride, that is it. In my experiences if someone has jumped the que, you tell the operator when you get to the ride, if people around you have seen them as well (even one is enough), that person gets sent to the back of the line, no hesitations. I have said several times as well, it wasn't under staffed on the rides that were opened. They were staffed like they staff for the holiday periods, except the Wipeout wasn't using the wave. I answered that before with they were estimated to make it, however people misjudge in those situations. As for giving anyone who was in the que a free return ticket, you've got yourself there 3500 tickets because everyone could argue they lined up. Guests were advised of the parks closing time, 10pm. Can't say Cyclone had full staffing because I didn't even bother lining up, though I doubt they would have had 4, probably three though because the other rides were staffed quite well. GD takes time, you can't make it go any faster regardless, and I agree with you, there is a needlessly long ride cycle with that one. The wave was not being used however they had a few people working there. Nobody has said this yet so I thought I would throw in another 10c. Did it ever occur to anyone that perhaps the reason for the lines being so enormous could be because the TOT was operating at rare intervals due to the weather? I mean it still went for a while but it takes like 15 people or something each time, and they get them through fairly quickly. That wouldn't have helped the problem at all. Yes that is true, and it may have helped them during the off peak period coming up with revenue, but is it really worth giving them freebies? Think back to the Christmas break. I don't know if any of you ever went in there during this time, but the park was packed, every single day. Now if these people start complaining that they aren't going on rides (in some cases 2 hours + line ups), demanding free tickets, thats going to kill their gate takings. When I went the line ups were worse then Fright Night, yep, WORSE. Then what do they do to resolve these kind of things? Their peak periods, does that mean they have to give free tickets to people if they only get 3 rides in the day because the lines are 2 hours long? I mean $20/ride isn't that great now is it. The difference between giving a free return pass during the day and at Fright Night is as follows: - they have paid $60 for entry, Fright Night was more than likely $10 - During the day you have about 7 hours, maybe more, Fright Night you technically had 3 1/2 hours (seeing Dreamworld actually opened at 6.30 to cater for the high demand), however in reality there was less then this. - they didn't get "screwed hardcore by dw policy" it is not Dreamworld's policy at all, and they didn't get 'screwed hardcore' either because the attendents could only estimate. It isn't as easy as a usual day when they close at 5 and get everyone else through, no matter how long it takes. In this case they shut the line at 9.15 in hope to get the other people through by 10pm. After that, thats it. - If you give one person a free return pass for Fright Night because they said the lines were too long and they didn't get their moneys worth, you've got yourself 3500 free tickets to give out. Imagine how long that will take, add to that people who try and scam it so they get more then one. Then you open up the flood gates for people wanting free tickets time and time again. You get people who play the system, looking for freebies, so they come back again and again for free because the complain about something minor. I agree that the lines were too big, and that they oversold the event, and I have made my own personal recommendations if they were to do it again. I just don't think there was anything Dreamworld could do once the night started, to change the sequence of events to follow. They staffed how they thought, they sold tickets like they thought would be OK, and they followed the rules set to them, they even opened more rides/attractions then they were going to, as well as opening at rides at 6.30 instead of 7.

Did you read their quote? They said they cut the line off behind them at 9.15 and when they were almost there they said no more people, because it was 10 o'clock. They weren't 90-120minutes out on their guess, it was more like 10-15 minutes by the sounds of things. I didn't shoot myself in the footy at all, it's simple read and comprehend.

"We had been in the line for an hour and half and were almost about to get on the GD when we were told that the ride is now closed. It was disgraceful. The line behind us was cut off at about 9.15, however nothing was said to us about the possiblity of not being able to get on." The line on the GD WAS cut off. In fact all of the rides notified the public that there was no more people to come into line. TOT had a security guard at the walkway, Tomb Raider had a security guard at the end of the line, Bumper cars had 2 people on so one was notifying the public and their que was closed, GD's que line was closed, as was cyclones, Wipeout was notifying people over the PA as well as staff making an estimate. The public was being told the situation, people were complaining, but they were getting warning, and with the amount of people they had to cut the line off with, it is fair that they could be 10-15minutes out on their guess, which results in perhaps 4 rides or up to 100 or so people on those rides, missing out. Do you honestly believe it is feasible for Dreamworld to employ people to watch out for people jumping the lines? That is rediculous. Generally if somebody jumps the que, they should tell the ride operator when they can, because there is so much going on that the employees can't watch the line the entire time.

I am sorry to hear you didn't even manage to get on one ride - that honestly is sad, and I can see why you would be upset. The TOT problem cannot be helped because you can't control the weather. The point I am trying to make here is that they can only estimate with people getting a ride seeing it is by a certain time it must close, not like the normal day. Do you think that cutting off even more people would've helped the problem? So they would plan to be closed by 9.45 instead of 10? What happens then when theres no line up at 9.45 (if they've guessed right), do they open back up again letting 15 minutes worth of people on? Would that be fair to other people who have just lined up for over an hour, then some people line up for 5 minutes right behind them? The best solution is make it earlier so the rides close at about 9, so there is still 1 hour to spare to get everyone through by 10. I don't remember when Dreamworld used to give out free passes to whoever wanted them, I do remember when people paying admission for a full day receive free passes when they have a valid reason, and the line ups being too long in my opinion is not a valid reason, it is bad luck and it cannot be helped. As for adding more staff, what do you propose they do? I mean the GD cannot go any faster then it does, most times you are sitting with your harness on waiting for the gondola to clip in before you can go up. Wipeout had 2 people working there on the night, didn't even bother with TOT because it was raining and I wasn't going to waste time there incase it rained. More staff isn't the answer (unless it means opening up Gold Rush), selling less tickets perhaps is the answer, though I don't think I am in any real position to complain seeing I got a few rides in during the night, and more than likely got my $10 worth. As for getting money from food, beverage and souvineers, most people were locals and I doubt that souvineers would be on the agenda, but yes, they may make money out of those people making a return visit. No, the public isn't responsible for judging how long the line will take, but if you are in a line that goes way out of the allocated area, down a bridge etc, then there is a good chance it is not going to work. Just wanted to throw into the equation here que jumpers - maybe you should blame them for the line taking so long. While I lined up at Wipeout, I would have seen at least 20 people jump the line within my sight, in front of me. Friends letting other friends in. If that was standard across other rides, no wonder it took so long, and MOST people got a genuine lack of rides.